As gospel runners, the word of God is vital to run the race. So whether you are running out the door for work, school, the gym, or running to change diapers, make lunches and load kids in the car, God has chosen "you" as His instrument to carry the gospel out into the world. Reading that may be a little intimidating but it leads to this important truth: time spent in God’s word, whether it’s morning, evening or somewhere in between, matters. Why? Because souls are at stake. Matt. 28:19
As constantly growing believers, we are to crave the word of God “like newborn babes longing for milk.” 1 Peter 2:2 Do you crave the word of God? Pause and think about that for a moment. Crave means to have a powerful desire for something, so much so, that you will not stop until you have it. This is to be the believers relationship with God and His word.
So perhaps, this may not describe where you are at in the moment. Take heart, you are not alone. We all navigate days where desire is lacking. But let me stir your heart up by sharing some of the blessings that come from reading and meditating on scripture every day:
God’s word encourages us.
Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.
There are no super Christians. We all fall susceptible to moments of doubt and discouragement. God’s word has proven again and again to be a place where I have found encouragement and comfort for my tired and weary soul. Scripture allows you and I to move our eyes from the fleeting and temporary to the lasting, eternal hope we have in Jesus.
God’s word counsels us.
Psalm 119:24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.
No spouse, friend or godly mentor can match the perfect and wise counsel we receive from God and His written word. In the darkest of circumstances, God’s word brings light, clarity and guidance on what to do.
God’s word cleanses us.
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
When we look into the mirror of God’s word each day, we see ourselves accurately in light of God, His nature and His commands. I cannot tell you how many times during my own personal quiet time when the Lord has revealed sin in my life that needed confessing and repenting from. It’s in those moments that we can be grateful for God's kindness to lead us back onto safe and secure "paths of righteousness.”
God’s word restores us.
Psalm 119:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
Unconfessed and unrepented sin separates us from intimacy with God. Spiritually, it dulls our hearing and makes us blind. So when God’s word leads us to confession and repentance, it also restores us to a close, intimate, thriving relationship with God our Father.
May calling to mind some of the sweet blessings of our time in God's word stir us up to a greater desire for more of it. And in doing so, we will run the race well, carrying the gospel into a world in need of Jesus.
Louise Moulton is a pastor's wife, mom, and nana to Haven & Kaiden. Her passion is to encourage and equip women to live for God's glory